Media centre

Thursday 25 Jan 2007

MILLION POUND UPGRADE FOR HOLGATE BRIDGE

Region & Route:

Network Rail is investing £1million in strengthening and restoring Holgate Road bridge in York. The bridge carries A59 traffic over the main rail route into and out of York and a half road closure will be necessary during some of the work which starts on 11 February. Dyan Crowther, Network Rail's route director, said: "During this project we will waterproof and repaint the entire structure as well as carrying out strengthening works and resurfacing the road and pedestrian walkways. "We have worked closely with the council to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum, however it is inevitable that some delays will be caused. We apologise to anyone who is inconvenienced by these works which are vital to ensure the future safety and reliability of this bridge." Special shuttle working traffic lights will be used during the work which will only allow one lane of traffic over the bridge at a time. To ensure the safety of pedestrians these lights will be arranged so that the current controlled crossing point provided by the Pelican Crossing at Watson Street will continue to operate. Delays to Holgate Road traffic will be kept to a minimum by the introduction of a temporary one way order on Dalton Terrace. Traffic will only be able to enter that street from the Holgate Road end. This arrangement will also ensure that the safety of pupils attending the schools in Dalton Terrace is not affected by vehicles making 'U' turns. Damon Copperthwaite, Assistant Director (City Development and Transport) for City of York Council, commented on the scheme: "Holgate Bridge is a key part of the city's transport network and so any work affecting it is going to be difficult to deal with. Obviously there will be significant delays to traffic and we will be doing all we can to keep this to a minimum. Drivers can do their part by planning their journeys to avoid this whole section of the city. For those that can, please use the Park and Ride service or take a bus." To ensure that Mount Parade is not used illegally by traffic seeking a short cut this road will also be made one way with entry only possible from the Holgate Road end. There will be no disruption to any rail services during these works.